Liz and Jason Throckmorton Recovery

Liz and Jason Throckmorton Recovery Benefit

-Cary St. Cafe:  Saturday, January 30th and
-Emilio's:  Thursday, February 4th.

Elizabeth and Jason Throckmorton moved to Richmond in the summer of 1992.  They quickly grew into mainstays of the RVA hospitality, creative and social scenes, amassing a loyal circle of friends, family and professional partners over the ensuing 24 years.  While remaining dear friends but no longer a couple, they managed to raise two beautiful and amazing children, Malcolm and Gillian Throckmorton who have both grown into valuable assets to the vibrant Richmond community.

On the night of Tuesday, January 12th of this year, the careless actions of a total stranger abruptly resulted in tragic, life-altering challenges to the family.  Jason's mother Helene Day sadly lost her life in the automobile accident in Byrd Park.  Liz sustained internal injuries including 11 broken ribs and head trauma, while Jason suffered fractures in all 4 of his limbs, including a broken toe, two fractured wrists and most notably, a crushed foot that will require multiple surgeries that will leave him with metal plates and screws that will make it possible for him to be able to eventually walk again.

The damage to this family and their lives is only just beginning to be realized.  After successfully recovering enough to safely leave the Intensive Care Unit, Liz joined Jason in the VCU Health system hospital's Surgery Trauma ward, where they both healed just enough to be discharged to the care of their family.  But the return to their normal lives is going to include many hurdles in a long, challenging struggle. 

The family was already devastated by the loss of Liz's mother Marlene McGrath from cancer on Christmas Eve - just 3 weeks prior to the accident.  Her passing, coupled with the heartbreaking loss of Jason's mother in the collision would present enough challenges for any family to face in their own right.  But Liz and Jason will also be unable to safely perform their professional and educational responsibilities (Liz as an employee and student at VCU, Jason a bartender at Postbellum on West Main Street in the Fan) for a period of several months, resulting in considerable financial stress on them, their children and their entire family.  Liz will also face many difficulties keeping up with her studies in Radiation Sciences at VCU.  Multiple medical procedures, countless hours of physical therapy and complicated occupational rehabilitation are just some of the physical obstacles they face, all while coping with the emotional strain of saying goodbye to both of their mothers.

Liz and Jason's longtime friend Robyn McManis Chandler has graciously spearheaded efforts to support them with benefit events at Cary St. Cafe (where she is the Owner) on Saturday, January 30th and at kindred Fan district bar Emilio's on Thursday, February 4th.  Please join in helping Jason and Liz offset the financial burden of this tragedy by checking out the events and donating to the cause here. 

Thank you to all of our friends and family in the Richmond community for your generosity and support!